I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one to appreciate the ironic
juxtaposition of articles about "drugs" in the Nov. 16 West. I
laughed along with Mary Patric's description of her experience
with elders' use of medicinal marijuana ("Doobie Mothers"), but I
know the issue of drug policy deserves the serious attention that
UC-Berkeley Professor Robert MacCoun and others are encouraging
policy-makers to give it.

As Californians, we may be more laid back than other Americans
talking about our past and present marijuana use. However, people
should realize that despite the passage of Prop. 215, medical
marijuana users and care-givers are still being arrested and
imprisoned. In Merced, Mike Oshorn faces thirteen years in prison
for growing marijuana for seven AIDS and cancer patients.

The marijuana debate is just part of the larger discussion of
drug policy that people should take part in. The forty members of
the Federation of American Scientists who signed the "Principles
for Practical Drug Policies" have done their part to start such a
dialogue. Now, it's our turn to let politicians know that voters
want an open, honest forum and that public officials are doing
their jobs when they consider alternatives to the "drug war."

Jane Marcus
Palo Alto, CA